Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a polymeric composite pickup truck cargo box to a metallic vehicle frame without damaging the polymeric composite material of the pickup truck cargo box. The connecting apparatus is a tapping plate which allows for the distribution of forces applied by a self-tapping fastener over a broad area of the pickup truck cargo box so as not to tear or puncture the polymeric composite material. The connecting apparatus also separates the polymeric composite pickup truck cargo box from the metallic vehicle frame so that the polymeric composite material does not degrade over time.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for connecting a composite outer body panel of a vehicle to a composite underbody of a vehicle whereby the composite outer body panel is allowed to move relative to the composite underbody due to thermal expansion and contraction caused by the aforementioned members having different coefficients of linear thermal expansion. The connecting apparatus is subtle in appearance, hidden from outside the vehicle and simple to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: A cargo box for a truck having side panels formed with wing section which extend forwardly in close proximity to the side portions of the cab to conceal the gap between the front of the cargo box and the rear of the cab. Each of the side panels are formed of a relatively flexible material so as to allow the wing sections to contact the cab without causing any damage when the truck frame is subjected to twisting while traversing rough terrain.

Abstract: A C-shaped panel is mounted on the engine compartment side of the engine bulkhead structure and has upper and lower walls projecting forwardly form the bulkhead structure to overhang the engine. A vertically extending front wall is spaced forwardly of the bulkhead by the upper and lower walls to define therewith a transverse air flow communicating passage. Air inlet openings are provided in the top wall to admit air into the passage. The C-shaped panel overlies an opening through the bulkhead to communicate inlet air to the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. A plurality of removable fasteners removably fasten the panel on the bulkhead to permit removal of the C-shaped panel from overhanging the engine to thereby facilitate and enable engine repair and removal. The windshield wiper motor is mounted on the C-shaped panel within the air flow passage so that removal of the C-shaped panel upon release of the removable fasteners also removes the windshield wiper system for repair and replacement.

Abstract: A mulch tiller or similar implement having a rigid frame supporting a plurality of forward trash-sizing gang assemblies and rearward plow tools. Spring brackets rockably support the gang asemblies for independent vertical movement with respect to the frame and maintain a generally constant down pressure of the gangs against the soil. The frame includes diagonal beam structure and a lower subframe assembly for compact shipping, good draft load distribution and underframe clearance. Common depth control, main frame and hitch components are utilized for implements of varying widths to reduce cost.

Abstract: To create a compact package for transport and storage of a foldable agricultural implement such as a field cultivator or the like, a pair of hydraulically operated 180.degree. fold hinges of different heights connect the outrigger frames to the ends of the main frame of the implement. The hinges lift the outrigger frames up and sequentially stackfold one on top of the other in generally parallel relationship above the main frame.

Abstract: A twisted shovel, for a chisel plow or similar implement, having a concave twisted surface. The concave surface maintains soil flow in the desired path as the shovel is moved forwardly through the soil. The soil displaced by the shovel is directed more effectively by the concave surface to one side of the shank to improve crop residue flow and incorporation, and the concave shape significantly improves the bending strength of the shovel over that of flat-twisted shovels of comparable width and thickness.